Veteran broadcaster Sir David Frost has died aged 74, his family has announced.

Sir David died of a heart attack while on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, where he had been due to give a speech.

The presenter fronted a number of popular programmes, including That Was The Week That Was and The Frost Report.

However, he will be best remembered for his series of interviews with former US president Richard Nixon.

The story behind the Nixon interviews was turned into a film in 2008, entitled Frost/Nixon, and nominated for five Oscars with Michael Sheen playing Sir David.

David Frost was a long-standing friend and colleague. I’m stunned and saddened. Sincerest condolences to Carina and the family.—

On Sunday, Frost’s family released a statement confirming his passing.

‘His family are devastated and ask for privacy at this difficult time,’ it said.

‘A family funeral will be held in the near future and details of a memorial service will be announced in due course.’

Paying tribute, Cunard president and managing director Peter Shanks said: ‘Sir David Frost was a remarkable journalist and broadcaster. Cunard had a proud association with him over many years. On behalf of us all at Cunard Line I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, family and friends.’